Dentifrice applicator

ABSTRACT

A dentifrice applicator incorporating a pair of panels connected along their top margins and a portion of their side margins for developing a finger pouch and hand grip extensions. Each panel is constructed of laminated material having an inner moisture impervious layer and an outer moisture absorptive layer; there being a dentifrice agent applied to the outer layer in the zone of said finger pouch. In usage, a user will insert an index finger within the finger pouch, grasp a hand grip extension and then insert the applicator within his mouth for cleaning his teeth, massaging his gums, and refreshing his mouth generally.

United States Patent Storandt [451 July 11, 1972 [$4] DENTIFRICE APPLICATOR [21] Appl. No.: 54,319

2,439,056 4/1948 Rathbun ..l5/227X 1,999,753 4/1935 Diemer .15/227 Primary Examiner-Leon G. Machlin Attorney-Robert J. Eek

57 ABSTRACT A dentifrice applicator incorporating a pair of panels connected along their top margins and a portion of their side margins for developing a finger pouch and hand grip extensions. Each panel is constructed of laminated material having an inner moisture impervious layer and an outer moisture absorptive layer; there being a dentifrice agent applied to the outer layer in the zone of said finger pouch. ln usage, a user will insert an index finger within the finger pouch, grasp a hand grip extension and then insert the applicator within his mouth for cleaning his teeth, massaging his gums, and refreshing his mouth generally.

PATENTEDJUL 1 1 1972 MI 1 BF 2 3. 675,264

INVENTOR DUANE L. STORANDT BY QM QQ ATTORNEY PATENTED I LH m2 SHEET 2 BF 2 3,675,264

INVENTOR DUANE L. STORANDT ATTORNEY BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates in general to teeth cleaning devices and, more particularly, to a dentifrice applicator.

An object of the present invention is to provide a dentifrice applicator capable of massaging gums and cleaning teeth and mouth without the need of extraneous implements, such as tooth brushes or the like.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a dentifrice applicator which is constructed of flexible sheet material incorporating a finger pouch adapted for accommodating fingers of all shapes and sizes so that any user may effectively and efficiently clean his teeth and mouth and massage his gums with his finger.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a dentifrice applicator which is completely sanitary in operation as the finger and/or hand of the user does not contact any portion of the users face or mouth during usage.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a dentifrice applicator incorporating moisture absorptive extensions adapted for absorbing excessive saliva developed during cleaning; thereby eliminating the need to expectorate or to wipe the face with a towel or the like.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a dentifrice applicator which is of flexible construction conducive to convenient handling, and which may be carried on the person of the user for ready usage in situations where brushing is inaccessible.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a dentifrice applicator which incorporates a length of dental floss for optional usage to remove food particles from the teeth prior to using the applicator.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a dentifrice applicator which is readily disposable after usage in any common waste receptacle.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a dentifrice applicator which is simple in construction; which may be fabricated from a single blank of sheet material, thereby being inexpensive to manufacture; and which is capahle of being used by children as well as adults.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a dentifrice applicator constructed in accordance with and embodying the present invention illustrating same in a position of use.

FIG. 2 is a front plan view of the dentifrice applicator of FIG. 1 with a portion thereof being turned up.

FIG. 3 is a transverse sectional view taken on the line 33 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a front plan view of a second embodiment of a dentifrice applicator constructed in accordance with and embodying the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a front plan view of a third embodiment of a dentifrice applicator constructed in accordance with and embodying the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a front plan view of a modified form of the dentifrice applicator shown in FIG. 5 illustrating the side edge portions being turned in the opposite direction.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of fourth embodiment of a dentifrice applicator constructed in accordance with and embodying the present invention illustrating thumb inserts on said applicator.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of fifth embodiment of a dentifrice applicator constructed in accordance with and embodying the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a transverse section taken on the line 9-9 of FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 is a front plan view of the dentifrice applicator shown in FIG. 8, with portions being turned up.

FIG. 11 is a plan view illustrating a dentifrice applicator received within an outer envelope in finished form.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PRACTICAL EMBODIMENTS Referring now by reference characters to the drawings which illustrate practical embodiments of the present invention, A generally designates a dentifrice applicator preferably formed from a single blank of flexible, sheet material I, which is folded back upon itself to define confronting panels 2,3 having a coterminus upper margin 4, side margins 5,5 and 6,6, respectively, and a lower margin 7,7, respectively. Although said panels 2,3 may be of different lengths, it is preferred that they be of substantially the same dimension and disposed in aligned relationship. Panels 2,3 are secured, as by heat seal 8,8, along a length adjacent their respective side margins 5,5 and 6,6 from said upper margin 4 to a point x located spacedly therefrom. Said seals 8,8 cooperate with the intervening portion of panels 2,3 and upper margin 4 to define a finger pouch p adapted for reception of the index finger of a user. It will be understood that the length of pouch p may be varied by increasing or decreasing the length of heat seals 8,8.

The remaining unsealed lengths of side margins 5,5 and 6,6 cooperate with the intervening portion of panels 2,3 and lower margin 7,7, respectively, for developing hand grip extensions 9,l0, respectively, which are adapted to extend rearwardly coveringly of the palm and backhand portion of the user's hand. The length of hand grips 9,10 may vary relative to pouch p in the range of lzl to 3:1, with the optimum ratio being 2:], Le, the length of hand grip extensions 9,10 being twice the length of pouch p.

Said blank 1 is desirably of laminated construction comprising an outer layer 11 (FIG. 3) constructed of a porous moisture-absorptive, fabric material, such as non-woven fabric; and an inner layer 12 constructed of moisture impervious, plastic film material, such as polyethylene or the like. The flexibility of panels 2,3 conduce to easy manipulation during usage. As shown in FIG. 2 the lower margin 7,7 of each panel 2,3 may be rounded for eliminating the sharp corners usually formed at the juncture of margins.

The outer fabric layer 11 in the region of pouch p is treated with a dentifrice agent, such as any conventional type having teeth cleaning and mouth refreshing properties. Said fabric layer 11 is adapted to absorb said dentifrice agent for subsequent usage by a consumer. It will be understood that said dentifrice agent may be applied on one panel 2 or on both panels 2 and 3 ifso desired.

In usage, a user inserts an index finger within finger pouch p and pulls rcarwardly on said extensions 9,10 with his other hand presenting same coveringly of the palm and backhand portion of his hand. In this position the user may grip the palm-adjacent extension 9 or 10 either between his thumb and palm or between his remaining fingers and palm depending on the peculiar desire of the user for firmly retaining applicator A in operative position. The user then inserts applicator A within the oral cavity for vigorously rubbing his teeth and mouth with the extended index finger thereby effecting cleaning and refreshing of his mouth. After the user has completed his cleaning, applicator A may be easily disposed in a common waste receptacle.

In describing the other practical embodiments of the present invention, like numbers will designate like elements so that unnecessary repetitive explanation may be avoided.

FIG. 4 shows another practical embodiment of the present invention wherein B designates a dentifrice applicator similar in construction to applicator A having confronting panels 2,3 with a coterminus upper margin 4, a lower margin 7,7 and side margins 5,5 and 6,6, respectively, with a portion of said panels 2,3 being secured as by heat seals 8,8 along a length from the upper margin 4 to a point x spacedly there below. Disposed transversely of panels 2,3 adjacent upper margin 4 is a heat seal 13 which cooperates with heat seals 8,8 for developing stiffened portions s in the region adjacent the attached portions of upper margin 4 and side margins 5,5 and 6,6. Provided within each stiffened portion 5 are a plurality of serrations or teeth members 14; said latter having a length less than the related dimension of stiffened portions .5. Said stiffened portions s cooperate with the intervening panels 2,3 to define a finger pouch p for reception of the index finger of the user '5 hand. The remaining unattached length of side margins 5,5, 6,6 and lower margin 7,7 define hand grip extensions 9,10. The length of said extensions 9,10 relative to the length of pouch p may vary in the same ratio as hereinabove recited for applicator A.

In operation applicator B is utilized in the same manner as above described for applicator A with the exception that teeth members 14 are employed for dislodging food particles trapped between the teeth of the user.

FIGS. 5 and 6 show another practical embodiment of the present invention wherein C shows a dentifrice applicator similar in construction as that defined for applicator A. The unattached portions of each side margin 5,5, 6,6 is folded convergingly inwardly toward lower margin 7,7, respectively, from point x of seals 8,8 developing triangularly shaped overlapping portions 15,I5' and 16,16 on said hand grip extensions 9,10, respectively. The lower margin 7,7 of the respective panels 2,3 is thus reduced substantially in width with the adjacent overlapping portions 15,15, 16,16 being secured in zone 2. Said overlapping portions 15,15, 16,16 adjacent zone 1 forms a thickened portion t for enhancing the gripping capabilities of hand grip extensions 9,10. Additionally, the tapered side edges of hand grip extension 9, are conducive to a snug fit within the fold of the user's hand during usage.

In FIG. 6,C' indicates a dentifrice applicator identical in all respects to applicator C except that the unattached lengths of side margins 5,5 and 6,6 are folded convergingly outwardly of the plane of the respective extensions 9,10 in a direction away from each other; the direction being opposite of that shown in FIG. 5. The overlapped portions 15,15 and 16,16 are secured at zone 1 for developing a thickened portion rfor enhancing the gripping capabilities of hand grip extension 9,10, and, further, for defining a receptacle r for catching any excessive saliva developed during the usage of applicator C.

In usage of applicators C and C, the user inserts his index finger within pouch p and grasps one tapered hand grip extension 9 or 10; the thickened portions 1' enhancing the gripping character thereof. The user then inserts the extended index finger, and thence applicator C or C, within his mouth for cleaning his teeth and mouth as well as massaging his gums.

Referring to FIG. 7, D designates another practical embodiment of the dentifrice applicator which is identical in construction to applicator A only additionally comprising a pair of panels 18,19 located on the outer face of each hand grip extension 9,10, respectively. Each panel 18, 19 is provided with upper and lower end edges 20, 20, respectively, and side edges 21; the upper and side edges 20,21 being secured to the related hand grip extension 9,10, respectively, with the lower edge 20' being unattached for defining a thumb insert 22,22 between panels 18,19 and the related extension 9,10 for accommodating the thumb of the user.

In usage, the user will insert his index finger within finger pouch p and his thumb within either thumb insert 22 or 22', and in a pinching action, will retain applicator D in operative position on his hand. The provision of thumb inserts 22 and 22' permits usage of both sides of applicator D and assures that no portion of the exposed hand of the user will enter the oral cavity of the user at any time. Additionally, any saliva generated through manipulation of applicator D will not reach any portion of the users hand.

In FIGS. 8-10, E designates another practical embodiment of the dentifrice applicator incorporating an auxiliary blank of sheet material 23 which is folded back upon itself to define an upper margin (not shown), preferably coextensive with the upper margin 4, and confronting panels 2, 3' having side margins 25,25 and 26,26, respectively, presented in alignment with the corresponding side margins 5,5 and 6,6, respectively, of panels 2,3. Moreover, heat seals 8,8 in addition to seal ing the marginal portions 5,5, 6,6, secures the related marginal portions 25,25 to 26,26 (FIG. 9). The unattached length of margins 25,25, 26,26 cooperate with the intervening panels 2', 3, for establishing auxiliary hand grip extensions 27,28, respectively, being presented in aligned, underlying relationship with the related extensions 9,10.

In usage, a user will insert his index finger within pouch p and grasp the auxiliary hand grip 27 or 28 facing the user's palm, between his thumb and palm or between his remaining fingers and palm in a clenched fist fashion so that the extensions 9,10 are disposed coveringly of the user's palm and backhand portion (FIG. 8).

Thus, it will be observed that by using hand grip 27 the user is assured that no portion of his hand will come into direct contact with his mouth, thereby being completely sanitary at all times. Thus, by using applicator E the user's hands may be soiled, such as from grease and dirt or the like, but he may still clean his teeth, mouth, and massage his gums in a sanitary manner because of the novel construction.

It will be understood that extensions 9,10 and auxiliary hand grips 27,28 may be of varying length without departing from the present invention.

Extensions 9,10 and auxiliary hand grips 27,28 have a relatively elongate length being approximately twice the length of pouch p so that same will extend across the palm and backhand portion of the user's hand. The fabric outer layer 11 of extensions 9,10 is utilized in applicator E for absorbing any excessive saliva developed during the cleaning operation thereby eliminating the need to expectorate or to wipe the face with a towel or the like after usage.

Each of the dentifrice applicators A-E, are packaged within an outer envelope 29 (FIG. 11) which is hermetically sealed, as by heat seals 30 adjacent its end margins 31,31 and side margins 32,32, for developing a compartment 33 within which applicators A-E are received. Formed coextensive with each end margin 31 is a flap portion 34 which facilitates breaking heat seals 30 for exposing applicators A-E.

A length of dental floss (not shown) may be prodded between extensions 9,10 so that the user upon breaking seals 30 may withdraw same to assist in removing any food particles trapped between the teeth before utilizing the applicators A-E. Additionally, said dentifrice agent may be contained within a relatively small plastic tube (not shown) provided between extensions 9,10 so that the user may personally apply a preferred amount to the applicator. In situations where the dentifrice agent is pre-applied, a transverse, relatively thin heat seal line 35 may be provided across said outer envelope 29 for assuring that the pro-applied dentifrice agent will not recede beyond the finger pouch zone for undesirably moistening the hand grip extensions 9,10 or auxiliary hand grips 27,28.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim and desire to obtain by Letters Patent is:

1. A dentifrice applicator comprising: Means defining a finger receiving pouch, said pouch having an opening in its lower marginal portion for receiving the index finger of a user;

a hand grip extension fonned continuous with said pouch,

said hand grip extension projecting outwardly of said opening and adapted to be grasped between the index finger and the thumb of the user;

cover means disposed in substantially coplanar-overlying relationship with said hand grip extension for protectively covering the thumb of the user during usage, said cover means including a panel of substantially equal length as said hand grip extension;

said pouch having an applicator portion presented exteriorally thereof, said applicator portion being adapted to receive a dentifrice.

2. A dentifrice applicator as defined in claim 1 and further characterized by:

said means defining a finger receiving pouch comprising a first set of confronting panels, each panel being of sub stantially equal length and having first and second end margins and intervening side margins;

means connecting the first end margin of said confronting panels and the adjacent portion of said side margins;

the unattached portion of the side margins and the second end margin of each confronting panel cooperating to define a hand grip extension;

said cover means constituting a second set of confronting panels having first and second end margins and side margins of substantially the same dimension as said first set of confronting panels;

said second set of panels being located overlyingly of said first set of panels and joined therewith adjacent the connected portions of said first end margin and said side margins;

the remaining unattached portion of said second panel second end margin and side margins cooperating with the intervening portion of said second set of panels for defining hand protective portions.

3. A dentifrice applicator adapted for removable engagement with a user's hand comprising:

a first set of confronting panels, each panel having first and second end margins and side margins;

a second set of confronting panels disposed in overlying relationship with said first set of confronting panels, each panel of said second set having first and second end margins and side margins in alignment with the corresponding margins of said first set;

means connecting the first end margin and the adjacent portions of said side margins of both said first and second sets of panels, the remaining portions of said side margins and said second end margin being unattached;

said connected side margins and said first end margins of said first and second sets of panels cooperating with the intervening panel portions to define a finger pouch;

said second set of confronting panels being fabricated from a porous, moisture absorbent fabric material;

a dentifrice agent applied to said fabric material in the region of said finger pouch;

the remaining unattached portion of said side margins and said second end margin of the first set of panels cooperating with the intervening panel portion to define hand grip extensions;

the unattached portion of said side margins and said second end margin of said second set of panels defining protective hand covers disposed overlyingly of said hand grip extensions for protectively covering the portion of the user's hand immediately adjacent the hand grip extensions when said applicator is inserted on the user's hand.

4. A dentifrice applicator as defined in claim 3 and further characterized by:

means defining an outer envelope for receiving said dentifrice applicator;

sealing means presented transversely of said outer envelope in the region adjacent the pouch opening for maintaining said dentifrice agent in the applied location 

1. A dentifrice applicator comprising: Means defining a finger receiving pouch, said pouch having an opening in its lower marginal portion for receiving the index finger of a user; a hand grip extension formed continuous with said pouch, said hand grip extension projecting outwardly of said opening and adapted to be grasped between the index finger and the thumb of the user; cover means disposed in substantially coplanar-overlying relationship with said hand grip extension for protectively covering the thumb of the user during usage, said cover means including a panel of substantially equal length as said hand grip extension; said pouch having an applicator portion presented exteriorally thereof, said applicator portion being adapted to receive a dentifrice.
 2. A dentifrice applicator as defined in claim 1 and further characterized by: said means defining a finger receiving pouch comprising a first set of confronting panels, each panel being of substantially equal length and having first and second end margins and intervening side margins; means connecting the first end margin of said confronting panels and the adjacent portion of said side margins; the unattached portion of the side margins and the second end margin of each confronting panel cooperating to define a hand grip extension; said cover means constituting a second set of confronting panels having first and second end margins and side margins of substantially the same dimension as said first set of confronting panels; said second set of panels being located overlyingly of said first set of panels and joined therewith adjacent the connected portions of said first end margin and said side margins; the remaining unattached portion of said second panel second end margin and side margins cooperating with the intervening portion of said second set of panels for defining hand protective portions.
 3. A dentifrice applicator adapted for removable engagement with a user''s hand comprising: a first set of confronting panels, each panel having first and second end margins and side margins; a second set of confronting panels disposed in overlying relationship with said first set of confronting panels, each panel of said second set having first and second end margins and side margins in alignment with the corresponding margins of said first set; means connecting the first end margin and the adjacent portions of said side margins of both said first and second sets of panels, the remaining portions of said side margins and said second end margin being unattached; said connected side margins and said first end margins of said first and second sets of panels cooperating with the intervening panel portions to define a finger pouch; said second set of confronting panels being fabricated from a porous, moisture absorbent fabric material; a dentifrice agent applied to said fabric material in the region of said finger pouch; the remaining unattached portion of said side margins and said second end margin of the first set of panels cooperating with the intervening panel portion to define hand grip extensions; the unattached portion of said side marGins and said second end margin of said second set of panels defining protective hand covers disposed overlyingly of said hand grip extensions for protectively covering the portion of the user''s hand immediately adjacent the hand grip extensions when said applicator is inserted on the user''s hand.
 4. A dentifrice applicator as defined in claim 3 and further characterized by: means defining an outer envelope for receiving said dentifrice applicator; sealing means presented transversely of said outer envelope in the region adjacent the pouch opening for maintaining said dentifrice agent in the applied location. 